DOUGLAS, Ga. (AP) — A man who died after a well collapsed in south Georgia has been identified as 51-year-old Geronimo Delgado of Douglas.

Authorities said emergency crews from four counties struggled for more than 16 hours to free him from the well, but he died early Sunday morning after several cave-ins.

Delgado’s wife, Mary Lindsey, told the Florida Times-Union that her husband started digging the well Friday in their front yard. By Saturday, Delgado got down 12 to 15 feet before the ground collapsed in on him around 11 a.m.

Dirt began covering him, and Lindsey said she called 911. As rescue crews worked to free him, more ground gave way and further cave-ins complicated rescue efforts.

*We welcome your comments on the stories and issues of the day and seek to provide a forum for the community to voice opinions. All comments are subject to moderator approval before being made visible on the website but are not edited. The use of profanity, obscene and vulgar language, hate speech, and racial slurs is strictly prohibited. Advertisements, promotions, and spam will also be rejected. Please read our terms of service for full guides